The Time of My Life – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 8 August , 2010 at 12:31 pm
I wrote this review back in November 2009 and with Patrick Swayze’s birthday just 10 days away and the first anniversary of his death just over a month away, I thought it was about time I shared it with you.
Authors: Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 978-1847376930
Patrick Swayze is… was… an excellent actor and dancer. His most popular films, ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Ghost’, were THE films of the time when I was growing up and I believe they are still up there in the popularity stakes.
Having seem a number of Patrick Swayze’s films and seeing him in a number of interviews (most notably, the one with Barbara Walters where he talked about his cancer), I felt he was an interesting and deep man. So when I found out he was releasing an autobiography, I pre-ordered the book (hardback) – ‘The Time of My Life’ written by Patrick and his wife Lisa Niemi.
Sadly, just a week or so before the book arrived, it was announced that Patrick had lost his battle with cancer and died. So, I read the book in a different light to what I would have done had he still been alive.
This book not only tells us of Patrick Swayze’s career of more than 30 years, it also tells us about his personal life – growing up, getting married, and the ups & downs of it all.
We learn of Patrick’s upbringing and his love for his father and determination to be the best that he can at whatever he’s doing. Patrick tells us how Lisa became the love of his life, of his problems with alcohol and how it nearly destroyed their relationship. Not only do we get “behind the scenes” on Patrick’s personal life, but we also get behind the scenes of a number of films – what went on on the set and off it – as well as how hard Patrick worked to get jobs and how or why he chose to do something.
This book also tells us how Patrick’s determination to do his own stunts nearly ended not only his career but also his life, as well as one or two other near death experiences, including an incident while flying his plane.
Of course, we’re also told of the moment Patrick’s life changed forever when he received the devastating news that he’d got pancreatic cancer. But don’t be deceived… This is no sob story. Patrick was determined he was going to battle this cancer and he wasn’t going to let it beat him. He wanted to live until they found a cure. Unfortunately, one hasn’t been found yet and it did beat him, but Patrick fought until the very end.
Patrick and his wife Lisa wrote this autobiography together and as you read the book you’ll see just how much of a partnership they were. Despite the ups & downs, Patrick loved Lisa more than anything. She must be so devastated.
This is an honest biography from a Hollywood actor who was loved by many. It’s emotional, gritty and inspiring. Patrick wasn’t afraid to say anything and admitted his downfalls. Don’t get me wrong… This autobiography also contains fun & laughter too. I can only hope that I have half the fun, love and determination that Patrick Swayze had!
Patrick was one talented, loving, strong and determined man and he will be missed.
Buy The Time of My Life – Hardback / Paperback / Audio CD.
Comments (10)
Category: Auto-biography,Books,Reviews
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Comment by Ryan
Made Sunday, 8 of August , 2010 at 1:24 pm
I think he was a very underrated actor, I also loved him in a film called Roadhouse.
RIP Patrick.
Comment by J. Kaye
Made Sunday, 8 of August , 2010 at 5:12 pm
I am a huge Patrick Swayze and was so sorry to see him go.
Comment by Anna Marie
Made Monday, 9 of August , 2010 at 6:38 am
I wondered if this would be any good. Hollywood bios are hit and miss at best. Glad you liked it.
Comment by Aleksandra
Made Monday, 9 of August , 2010 at 7:54 pm
Hey, thanks for telling me 
I’ve messed up the link & hadn’t even realised 
I fixed it now, so you can go enter if you’d like
Comment by Sue Jackson
Made Monday, 9 of August , 2010 at 9:02 pm
Hi, Nikki-ann –
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to comment! Yes, we are hoping for a better week this week! Friday the 13th should be easy…
Like you, I love Ghost and Dirty Dancing. I’ve seen DD probably a half dozen times and sob uncontrollably every time I see Ghost! His death was very sad.
His memoir sounds good – I really enjoy memoirs but rarely read celebrity memoirs…though this one sounds worthwhile. Thanks for the review!
Sue
Comment by Petty Witter
Made Tuesday, 10 of August , 2010 at 11:28 am
What a wonderful tribute – a book for the wish list I think.
Comment by June
Made Wednesday, 11 of August , 2010 at 8:29 pm
I’ve never seen this book reviewed before. Thanks. You were very comprehensive. I always respected Patrick Swayze and the way he lived his life and keep his marriage in tact–not like a lot of stars today. I’m sure his wife wishes they could have shared a child together. Good review Nikki-ann. Thanks for paying me a visit today as well.
Comment by Kathleen
Made Wednesday, 11 of August , 2010 at 10:32 pm
My mom loves reading biographies like this one. I’ll have to recommend it to her based on your review.
Comment by Lisa's Chaos
Made Thursday, 12 of August , 2010 at 5:02 am
It sounds like it’s worth a read. Pancreatic cancer is such a horrible diagnosis!
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